Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is the kind of classic, no-bake sweet that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face—creamy, fruity, and a little nutty, all nestled in a golden graham cracker crust. It’s a dessert that’s stood the test of time, not just because it’s so easy to whip up, but because its retro charm, tropical twist, and irresistible, dreamy filling make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re after comfort food nostalgia or a fuss-free treat for a potluck, bowl, or holiday party, Granny’s Million Dollar Pie will never let you down!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Graham Cracker Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (9-inch)
Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Granny’s Million Dollar Pie
Step 1: Mix the Sweet Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl, the bigger the better since you’ll want plenty of room to fold everything together. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, add the well-drained crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a bright splash of lemon juice. Use a spatula to stir until everything looks lusciously combined and evenly distributed.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Take your tub of whipped topping and gently fold it into the pineapple mixture. The goal is to keep things as light and fluffy as possible, so use a soft, sweeping motion instead of stirring vigorously. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is creamy, even, and slightly billowy.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust
Spoon the filling into your prepared graham cracker pie crust, making sure to spread it out gently so it reaches every edge. Use a spatula to smooth the top into a pretty mound, leaving some tempting peaks if you like that rustic, homemade look.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Cover your pie with plastic wrap or the included dome (if your crust came with one) and pop it into the fridge. Give it at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—so it has time to set up perfectly and all those flavors can get cozy together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, take Granny’s Million Dollar Pie out of the fridge and, if you wish, dot the top with bright maraschino cherries. Slice generously and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Granny’s Million Dollar Pie
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with a few cherries on top (the old-fashioned favorite), or take things up a notch by sprinkling on extra toasted coconut, a few pecan halves, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair. Each garnish adds a touch of beauty and personality to your pie, making every slice even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This chilled pie pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries, kiwi, or pineapple rings for a tropical plate. If you’re serving a big dessert spread, Granny’s Million Dollar Pie balances out richer chocolate treats and makes a lovely finish after a summer barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pie in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties. You can even cut the pie into mini bars for a bite-sized treat or dress up each plate with a mint sprig for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any remaining pie with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. Granny’s Million Dollar Pie stays fresh and wonderful for up to three days, so you can sneak a slice whenever the craving strikes!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pie! To do so, wrap the entire pie or individual slices snugly with plastic wrap and then with a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture stays surprisingly creamy, making it a cool summer treat right out of the freezer.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this is a no-bake, chilled pie meant to be served cold straight from the fridge or thawed if frozen. Just slice and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works beautifully in Granny’s Million Dollar Pie, though it may create a slightly softer set. Make sure your whipped cream is whipped to medium peaks and gently fold it in to keep a luscious texture.
What’s the secret to avoiding a watery pie filling?
It all comes down to draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly. Pour it into a fine-mesh strainer and press gently to get every last drop out. This simple step keeps your pie slices neat and prevents sogginess.
Can I use a different type Dessert
Of course! While pecans are traditional in Granny’s Million Dollar Pie, chopped walnuts or even almonds can add a delightful crunch and their own unique flavor. Feel free to experiment according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Is this pie gluten free?
It can be! Just look for a gluten-free graham cracker pie crust or make your own using gluten-free graham crackers. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so everyone can enjoy a slice.
Can I make Granny’s Million Dollar Pie ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making it up to a day ahead only improves the flavor. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve, and add your garnishes right before you bring it to the table for the freshest finish.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts capture the spirit of gathering, memory-making, and pure joy quite like Granny’s Million Dollar Pie. If you’ve never made it, now’s your chance! This pie is a testament to how easy and fun homemade treats can be. So give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch how quickly it becomes a lasting favorite in your own kitchen.
Print
Granny’s Million Dollar Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is a classic no-bake dessert that combines the tropical flavors of crushed pineapple and coconut with the richness of sweetened condensed milk. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and optional cherries, this easy-to-make pie is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
ScaleGraham Cracker Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (9-inch)
Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries just before serving, if desired.
Fold in the whipped topping until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery filling.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them.
- This pie can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
